Rusty Long and Grant “Twiggy” Baker have broken the 100-foot barrier, catching and surfing a sky-scraper-size wave off the coast of mainland Chile.

Quiksilver announced today that it has added veteran surfer Rusty Long to its world-class surf team. This signing comes with great excitement for the brand, adding to the company’s longstanding history of excellence and its legendary roster of athletes.

The 28 year-old Long, a lifelong surfer from San Clemente, Calif., has built a solid reputation over the past decade for his impeccable skill, passion and fearlessness in surfing. He has rightfully earned his status as one of the sport’s preeminent big-wave riders–often times going after the waves of consequence- so the appointment by Quiksilver comes as no surprise.

“I’m beyond thrilled to be involved with Quiksilver and to be able to contribute to this group’s vision,” says Long. “Quiksilver has been a pillar for development in the history of our sport and I’m excited for the opportunities and great times to come!”

Those who have witnessed Long’s prowess over the years know that he is the true embodiment of the sport. He cites his motivation as good waves, constant learning and healthy living; a sentiment shared deeply with Quiksilver.

“We are so proud to be connected to Rusty. He is the epitome of the Quiksilver lifestyle and we are elated to be alongside him on all of his adventures,” said Chad Wells, the team’s manager.

When he isn’t conquering the world’s biggest waves, Long is also an accomplished photographer and published writer.

Don’t forget our Quiksilver Summer Wetsuit range is now in!

Sorted Surf Festival

It’s game on for the first Sorted Surf Festival at Boscombe Artificial Reef.

Sorted Surf Shop have announced the first ever Surf Contest to take place at the newly completed artificial reef on the weekend of March 20th and 21st 2010.

The guys at Sorted will be joining forces with many of the surf industry giants including Rip Curl to bring a surf contest and festival to the beach at Boscombe.

The weekend will consist of Surfing and Bodyboarding competitions and there will be loads of activities and demonstration stands with equipment for all to try.

The Boscombe Surf Contest categories will consist of :-

• Mens Open,
• Mens 35+,
• Ladies Open,
• and Juniors (under 18´s).

Even more reason to put the weekend in your diary - the contest will also host the first leg of the British Bodyboarding Annual Championships.

Bodyboard heats to be contested on the Reef all other categories will be held at the Pier / Beach.

Rip Curl Sponsors Sorted Surf Festival

Rip Curl Sponsors Sorted Surf Festival

Rip Curl are the event main sponsors and they will be providing some fantastic prizes. There will also be plenty of opportunities to come down to the beach and try some of the latest surfboards from Tiki, Rusty and Firewire, BIC will have Kayaks and Indo Board will be be running sessions throughout the day.

Gul team riders Mar “Igor” Harris and Russel Winter will be around all weekend giving advice and signing autographs.

And there’s more ….

For all you party lovers there will be a party at Boscombe´s coolest bar, Urban Beach sponsored by Monster Energy Drink. Contest organizers, sponsors and contest competitors will enjoy a BBQ and live music with a few surprises thrown in to the mix.

Boscombe Surf Festival Competitor Information

Information for all competitors - The Sorted Surf Contest/Festival will be run under the usual guidelines and rules outlined by the British Surfing Association. Any competitor found to be intoxicated will be refused entry into the competition and no refund will be given.

Judging - Will take the usual criteria i.e. ´a surfer performing the most radical maneuvers in the most critical part of the wave´ will receive the highest scoring potential; this is the case for all categories.

Check-in time - for all competitors will be at 0730 on Saturday morning located at Sorted Surf School on the East side of Boscombe Pier on the promenade. Sunday Check-in will be at 0830.

Demos Galore

The first heats in the water by 0800 Saturday and to complete all the round one heats and the quarter finals on day one. Sunday´s first heat will start at 0900 for completion of the semis and the final by approximately 15.30

Categories - Mens Open, Mens over 35´s, Ladies open, Junior U18, and BodyBoard Open

All categories may have up to 32 entrants. Beach entries may be accepted on the day if space is available.

Heats - will consist of 4 competitors with a running time of 20 minutes per heat.

Round 1 will consist of 8 heats, then 4 heats for the quarter finals, 2 heats for the semi finals and 1 heat for the final.

Surfers may catch up to a maximum of 12 waves per heat, at the end of each heat it shall be your top 2 wave scores that decides your position, the 2 highest scoring surfers progressing to the next heat. In the event of a tie between 2 persons it will go to their 3rd wave score or even their 4th wave score and so on if necessary.

All surfers must have BSA insurance or a full membership to Wessex Surf Club. You may be required to prove your insurance on the day.

Prizes will be presented on the Sunday afternoon at Sorted Surf School after all finals are finished.

Sorted Surf Contest Entry Forms

Sorted Surf Crew

Click here to download Entry Form

Completed entry forms to:- Sorted Surf Shop Ltd. 42 Sea Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 1BQ

We hope to see you down on the beach in a few weeks time for the Sorted Surf Festival !

Kelly Slater paddling

World Champion surfer, Kelly Slater has concluded the principal photography for the new Ultimate Wave Tahiti Movie that is due to premiere early next month.

It’s the first 3D film for IMAX® theaters to capture intensity of Tahiti’s famed Teahupoo break.

Kelly Slater and a group of friends arrive in Tahiti. With their host, Tahitian surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer and will seek out the best waves breaking on the reef at the famed surf site Teahupo’o. Kelly and Raimana share a passion for the waves, but different ideas about what surfing means: is it a modern competitive sport or an ancient Polynesian wave-riding art?

Either way, if the right conditions arise, they hope to surf some unique giant barrels created by storm swells breaking atop the shallow reef.

As the surfer’s quest unfolds, the film explores the hidden forces at work shaping the waves and the islands that lie in their path. In stylized animated segments, the audience is propelled into the cosmos to discover the sources of a wave’s energy; and then back to Earth to witness the swirling dance of the atmosphere that will transfer energy deep into the ocean and shape a wave’s long journey across thousands of miles of open Pacific.

Kelly and Raimana consider what makes a great surfing wave. In an extended surfing sequence showcasing Kelly and Raimana, we see the magic of high-performance surfing on modest breakers.

Raimana muses that

you don’t have to chase the perfect wave; if you are patient, it will come to you

He swims across the reef, through the waves — around him are dolphins and humpback whales and the wide Pacific.

The Ultimate Wave Tahiti Movie premiers in Los Angeles on February 12th but we hope it won’t be too long before they bring to an IMAX cinema near you!.

Star Trek Wetsuit Close-up

No it’s not a fancy dress remnant of the New Year’s Eve party - it’s true you can now buy a Star Trek Wetsuit to enjoy your surfing.

The 7mm wetsuit is only available in the US but has already had the twitter fraternity buzzing with excitement at the thought of being able to dress up like Captain Kirk, Spock or Scotty whilst hitting the waves.

The one-piece wetsuit created by JMJ Wetsuits, features iconic uniform colors & rank insignias from Star Trek: The Original Series.

You might be thinking these are just a novelty gimmick - well these 7mm wetsuits are the real deal, made using the highest quality materials and expert craftsmanship. Each individual wetsuit is custom made and tailored to your exact measurements for a perfect fit and unmatched performance. According to their website - “this is the ultimate in warmth and exposure protection when exploring strange new worlds!”

Star Trek Wetsuit

The 7MM Star Trek wetsuit is available in three colors:

• Command Yellow
• Science Blue
• and Engineering Red.

Each wetsuit features a durable Star Trek chest insignia, Rank Braids, and RDT shoulder logo.

Star Trek Wetsuit Range

If you want one from outside of the US - then you will probably need to speak nicely to the guys at RDT as these wetsuits are made-to-order.

Beam me up Scotty!!

More info: RDT Star Trek Wetsuits

Many of you will already be aware of the C-Skins Wetsuit brand and the impact it has had on the world of Wetsuits.

Carey Brown and his uncle Dennis Cross designed and manufactured the first ever surfing steamers in Europe taking on the likes of O’Neill Wetsuits and Rip Curl Wetsuits. Over the past two or three years Carey’s extensive experience of the wetsuit industry has stood him in good stead and the brand has gone from strength to strength - particularly in the Winter Wetsuit market.

Based in Northern Europe, the C-Skins team are used to testing in the harshest of conditions of France and Cornwall. If you have had a chance to try on one of the C-Skins Wetsuits you will immediately see why they have such a strong following in the UK and Europe with their no-compromise attitude to quality, workmanship and value for money. The C-SKINS team are obviously passionate about surfing and this comes across in the way their suits are manufactured.

Check out C-Skins Wetsuit Video Reviews below ans see for yourself the quality of the latest 2010 C-Skins Wetsuits.

C-Skins Wired 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2010

C-Skins Wired Winter Wetsuit 2010

The now famous C-Skins Wired is back for Winter 2010 even better. Designed by Brits for UK conditions the Wired has some amazing features:

• LQS Liquid seam technology - No flush
• 100% use of Ultra stretch C-FLEX neoprene - lightweight / low water retention
• Glued & Blindstitched construction
• Airloc Chest panel for warmth & lighter weight
• Fire Core Thermal interior chest & back panel
• Hydrophobic Poly Pro interior chest panel: draws water away from body
• Optiwick interior light weight water wicking poly pro lining
• LQS ankle cuff seals - for a secure seal
• Lock Down Wrist seal with internal silicone seal
• DFZ - Diagonal front zip with adjustable bungee attachment
• Pre bent elbows and knee areas
• Stealth Dura tex knee pad panel with embossed resin impregnated
• Minimal panels for increased stretch & movement
• Hidden key pocket on exterior of suit
• Closeout system - front zip seal & barrier
• Super seal glideskin single seam collar

Without doubt the most popular wetsuit in the range, the new Wired Series includes mind blowing new features such as the new Optiwick interior lining and the Lock Down wrist seals

Buy C-Skins Wired 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2010 £254.95

C-Skins Wired AIRLOC 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2010

C-Skins Wired Airloc Winter Wetsuit 2010

The all new C-Skins Wired Airloc Winter Steamer from C-SKINS is a tricked up version of the Wired Series 2 Steamer. If you are looking for the ultimate Winter Wetsuit then wetties don’t come much better than this one.

We have no doubt that this suit will be a real contender for the top spot this winter.

Made with the amazing Airloc neoprene throughout the whole body and legs you get ultimate performance from a wetsuit that is lighter and warmer than comparable suits.

With the added feature of liquid taped seams inside AND outside ( 2 x LQS) this suit is without doubt one of the warmest, driest and stretchiest suits on the planet.

C-Skins Wired AIRLOC 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2010 Features

• LQS Liquid seam technology - No flush
• 100% use of Ultra stretch C-FLEX neoprene
• Glued & Blindstitched construction
• Simulated Mesh Skin(SMS) chest & back panels
• Airloc Chest panel for warmth & lighter weight
• Fire Core Thermal interior chest & back panel
• Optiwick interior light weight water wicking poly pro lining
• LQS ankle cuff seals - for a secure seal
• Lock Down Wrist seal with internal silicone seal
• DFZ - Diagonal front zip with adjustable bungee attachment
• Pre bent elbows and knee areas
• Stealth Dura tex knee pad panel with embossed resin impregnated
• Minimal panels for increased stretch & movement
• Hidden key pocket on exterior of suit
• Closeout system - front zip seal & barrier
• Super seal glideskin single seam collar

Buy C-Skins Wired AIRLOC 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2010 - £309.00

Caring for Your C-Skins Wetsuit

Don’t forget to take care of your C-Skins Wetsuit by following these simple instructions

• Rinse your suit with fresh water and hang it out to drip dry after every use on a wide hanger
• Do not use a washing machine or tumble dryer
• Do not use bleach
• Do not hang your suit in direct sunlight for long periods of time
• Do not leave your wetsuit in a damp, stinking mess in the back of your car

Animal Assasin Wetsuit 5/3mm

If you thought that Animal was just about Surfwear and watches then think again. The surf company from Poole have started to make an impact on the wetsuit market with the introduction of a range of high performance wetsuits.

The Animal Assassin 5/3 Mens Winter Wetsuit is the first of its kind to come out of the Animal R&D department and it really is a no compromise wettie. This is one of the most technically advanced wetsuits on the market today.

Constructed from A-Flex Pro Dynamic stretch neoprene with Thermacore Tri Ply cellular foam chest and back panels you benefit from significant warmth advantages. You also get liqidised seans inside and out and the brilliant Watergate overhead barrier systems which ensures you don’t get any water penetration. The Toastex hollow fibre insulation is similar to the O’Neill Firewall technology that provides the most effective heat loss barrier.

Animal Assassin Winter Wetsuit Features

• Back Zip: Short length zip designed to limit stretch resistance to the minimum
• Liquid Seam System: Flexible specialised liquid compound that guarantees seam security
• Contour Control Seams: Body mapping technology ensure the most ergonomically shaped suit
• Sealskin Neck: Super composite skin neck seal; no rub and no rash, just a great seal
• Animal Thermacore: Tri-Ply core technology, a cellular foam core that has significant warmth advantages
• ToasteX Lining: Hollow fibre Hot Source lining providing the most effective heat loss barrier
• A-Flex Pro: The highest performance dynamic stretch neoprene jersey available Watergate Zip Barrier System: reducing the risk of water ingression to practically zero 28cal.
• A.K Pad Protection: Armotex knee pad protecting the suit from reef and board
• Stash Pocket: Secure key stash

It has been one of Animal’s burning ambitions right from the very early days to develop a credible, high performance wetsuit line to reinforce their continuing commitment to the core surf market. By teaming up with a leading wetsuit manufacturer, this long-term brand ambition is now becoming a truly exciting reality. We look forward to seeing more from of the Animal Assassin Wetsuit Range.

The Animal Assassin Wetsuit Advert

Animal Assassin Winter Wetsuit Advert

Aussie surfer Ben Mondy, an ex-editor of Tracks magazine and contributor to Surfer, Carve and Surf Europe, was one of the first to surf the new reef at Bournemouth. Here he gives his take on it in a video that is currently running on the Independent newspaper website.

Don’t forget you can check out the surf conditions on the Boscombe Surf Reef Webcam.

The Boscombe Artificial Surf Reef was officially opened this week with some great publicity by Bournemouth Council and also on BBC’s South Today.

There has been quite a lot of debate about whether the reef is going to produce the goods - sizeable and rideable waves for us surfers!!

Well here’s the proof that Boscombe Reef can produce the goods. We have had a steady flow of south-westerly winds this week that have helped to push the swell up and when the tide has been right we have seen some pretty decent waves.

Here is a couple of shots from this week just to whet your appetite.

Boscombe Artificial Reef - Hi Res on click

Boscombe Surf Reef going off this week - Hi Res on Click

Plus check out the BBC video of the official Boscombe Surf Reef Opening and YouTube clip below filmed on the 1st November and decide for yourself .

Don’t forget you can check out the surf conditions on the Boscombe Surf Reef Webcam.

It is the end of British Summer Time this weekend in the UK and the nights will be drawing in. The days will not only be getting colder but also getting shorter so there is even more reason to have a decent Winter Wetsuit to ensure you can stay out in the surf as long as possible.

We have just taken delivery of the new range of Xcel Winter Wetsuits for 2010 and these suits are pretty special. If you are looking for top of the range Winter wettie that offers the latest in innovation and neoprene technology then check out the Xcel Infiniti range.

Available in both Mens sizes and also in a Ladies cut the Xcel Infiniti Wetsuits are packed with cutting edge wetsuit technology to ensure it is one of the most flexible, durable and warm wetsuits available.

Xcel Infinity 5/4/3 Front Zip 2010 Winter Wetsuit

Xcel Infinity 5/4/3 Front Zip 2010 Winter Wetsuit

The Xcel Infinity 5/4/3 Front Zip 2010 Winter Wetsuit really is the ultimate winter wetsuit. With a specification to match you won’t get cold in this suit. All the seams on this suit are double glued and blindstitched to prevent any water penetration. Xcel have also used an innovation approach to stitching - curved seam stitching - which means the suit is manufactured pre-shaped rather than flat so you get a perfect fit.

Front entry is easy on this wetsuit, the X-Zip system is made up of a short horizontal water resistant Interlock zipper on the outer flap and a crossover entry system on the inside making it a doddle to get this suit on and off.

Wetsuit Features:

• X-Zip front entry, semi dry Interlock zipper system.
• BAMBOO BARRIER recycled fiber lining infused with heat retaining bamboo charcoal.
• Wind resistant Texture Skin outer chest.
• 100% UltraStretch, UltraSoft neoprene.
• Fusion Seams: High density, UltraStretch closed cell Pressure Bonded taped seams.
• Lower Body: Pressure Bonded taped seams.
• Ankles: Fusion Seal ankle tape.
• Exclusive to Xcel, a Fushion Seam (or Fusion Seal).
• Incorporates an UltraStretch waterproof composite with a non-stick surface fused over the blindstiched seam.
• UltraStretch Pressure Bonded taped seams for maximum stretch and strength
• Pre-bent DuraFlex knee panels for maximum strength and durability.
• Engineered 1 piece panel designs allow for minimal seams and maximium stretch.
• Snag-resistant - UltraStretch neoprene

Check out the latest prices on the Xcel Infinity Front Zip 2010 Winter Wetsuit

Xcel Infiniti Drylock 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2010

Xcel Infiniti Drylock 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2010

At a touch over £300 the Xcel Infiniti Drylock 5/3 Winter Wetsuit 2010 leads the pack in performance winter wetsuits. With the innovative DRYLOCK ZIP System, the Ininiti Drylock gives you one of the warmest wetsuits onthe market for 2010. The front entry DRYLOCK zipper is a short angled waterproof, flexible zipper on outer flap and a front/back crossover system on the inside. A neat snap lock closure keeps the zipper in place.

This Infiniti suit featues the very latest in neoprene technology combining bamboo charcoal and water repellent technology (Bamboo Barrier) plus the new Airprene Barrier - a clever way of trapping tiny bubbles of air within the neoprene which act as natural insulation.

Wetsuit Features:

• DRYLOCK ZIP front entry.Waterproof DRYLOCK zipper system.
• Chest: Dual Barrier System of AIRPRENE & BAMBOO BARRIER.
• Durable air-chambered insulating technology meets Xcel´s ThemoBamboo recycled fiber.
• Plush lining infused with heat-retaining bamboo charcoal and water-repellent technology.
• Engineered, seamless DRYLOCK wrist seal.
• 100% lightweight, quick-dry.X-Zip front entry, semi dry Interlock zipper system.
• Dual Barrier I: Airprene Barrier
• Dual Barrier II: BAMBOO BARRIER
• DRYLOCK ZIP System
• Wind resistant Texture Skin outer chest.
• 100% UltraStretch, UltraSoft neoprene.
• Fusion Seams: High density, UltraStretch closed cell Pressure Bonded taped seams.

• Lower Body: Pressure Bonded taped seams.
• Ankles: Fusion Seal ankle tape.
• Exclusive to Xcel, a Fushion Seam (or Fusion Seal).

Check out the latest prices on the Xcel Infiniti Drylock Winter Wetsuit 2010

Xcel Ladies Infiniti 5mm Front Zip Winter Wetsuit 2010

Xcel Ladies Infinity 5mm Front Zip Winter Wetsuit 2010

For many of us the approaching winter means the surfboards are packed away until the Spring, but with a ladies winter wetsuit like the Xcel Infiniti 5mm you can enjoy the surf all year round. The Infiniti is also anatomically cut to ensure the perfect female fit.

The clever use of wind resistant texture skin on the chest and the recycled fibre lining that is infused with heat retaining bamboo charcoal - called Bamboo Barrier - ensures you will remain warm and comfortable when you surf.

Wetsuit Features:

• DRYLOCK ZIP front entry.Waterproof DRYLOCK zipper system.
• X Zip 2 system: short horizontal front zipper on outer flap, seal with pull cord barrel lock, ultra-stretch inner step.
• Chest: BAMBOO BARRIER - Durable air-chambered insulating technology meets Xcel´s ThemoBamboo recycled fiber.
• Plush lining infused with heat-retaining bamboo charcoal and water-repellent technology.
• Engineered, seamless DRYLOCK wrist seal.
• 100% lightweight, quick-dry.X-Zip front entry, semi dry Interlock zipper system.
• Wind resistant Texture Skin outer chest.
• 100% UltraStretch, UltraSoft neoprene.
• Fusion Seams: High density, UltraStretch closed cell Pressure Bonded taped seams.

Check out the latest prices on the Xcel Ladies Infinity 5mm Front Zip Winter Wetsuit 2010

Aerial Shot of the Boscombe Artificial Surf Reef

It looks like the final phase of construction is underway on the Boscombe Artificial Reef and local surfers are getting very excited.

According to the construction team they will be focusing their attention on fine tuning the underwater structure by topping up the bags and making sure it meets the original design criteries.

ASR’s Technical Director, Shaw Mead is still confident that the Reef will be finished later this month - “Like any major construction project, there are extensive checks to be undertaken before we can say the project is complete. We are now starting to make all those checks thoroughly and according to the agreed specification.”

Back on the beach the team has also been dismantling their pipelines and equipment into containers, removing containers from the beach and flattening the surplus sand stockpile. It will seem a little strange having the beach returned to its former glory after so long with enormous piles of sand everywhere.

There have been a few negative vibes in the press recently but what we have seen so far we have been encouraged by, and we need to see a winter season if not a whole year before we pass judgement on how good it really could be.

Other locals who have sneaked a paddle out onto the reef have been commenting on the local Dorset Echo site -

woolamai from christchurch says…

2:10pm Thu 10 Sep 09

…. It’s produced quality waves a good few times already on just summer windswells - you just need to be there when it’s working - and if that’s 6am before the sun is up then so be it. And that’s no different from anywhere else in the world. It’s a step up in power and difficulty from the local beach breaks but no reason it can’t be surfed by anyone - boogie boarders, stand-ups, skis, SUPs. It’s going to be killer when the winter groundswells kick-off. Give it 6 months and the only complaints will be that it’s too crowded and we need another one. Boscombe Beach is getting a really good feel - surfers, paddleboards, triathletes and open water swimmers, skis and canoeists all over the place, loads of joggers and bladers on the prom, surf schools, personal trainers with their squads, surf shops and cafes right on the beach. Lifeguards have got really professional. It might not be Venice Beach or Bondi but there aren’t many places to rival this in the UK. I’m going home to Melbourne in 2012 and I’ll miss the place.

Guy Cribb Rides the Reef

Local Windsurfing legend Guy Cribb has also managed to get a few hours shredding on the new reef. Reported to be the first windsurfer to ride it he was pretty ecstatic to say teh least..

“I’ve ridden waves all over the world, but it’s great to be able to nip down to Bournemouth and score some good surf in July. And with restaurants like Urban Reef right on the sea front, virtually on the reef, the waves aren’t the only attractive aspect to the south’s newly formed surf spot.” Said Guy.

Don’t forget you can check out the very latest conditions on the Boscombe Reef Surf Cam.